Purpose and Format in “The Leader in the Mirror” — Quiz
Question 8 • English Language Arts 12
Read the excerpt from Pat Mora’s essay "The Leader in the Mirror." I began by congratulating the family members and teachers for being steady beacons for those young people. In a society that undervalues families and educators, they had truly lived their commitments. As I was planning the talk I would give to this group, I wondered how best to create an occasion for reflection. What could I say to the audience about the daily struggle to create a meaningful life? Which explains why Mora uses two modes of communication?
Answer
A
The reason for both the speech and the essay is to raise money for underprivileged families.
B
The reason for both the speech and the essay is to congratulate hardworking students.
C
The reason she writes the speech is to celebrate teachers, while the reason for her essay is to share with a larger audience her accomplishments in teaching.
D
The reason she writes the speech is to encourage thoughtful reflection, while the reason for her essay is to encourage a larger audience to do the same.
Explanation
Mora says she was planning a talk and wondered how to create “an occasion for reflection” about the daily struggle to create a meaningful life. The speech is meant to prompt reflection among its audience, and the essay lets her share that same invitation with a wider audience. Choice D best explains why she uses both forms of communication.
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